Treatment Of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae Research Articles

Use of a 755/1064 nm long pulse laser equipped with pigment meter guidance in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae, vascular lesions, and epidermal pigmented lesions.

Use of a 755/1064 nm long pulse laser equipped with pigment meter guidance in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae, vascular lesions, and epidermal pigmented lesions.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of chemical peeling and long-pulse Nd:YAG laser in treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) presents as chronic inflammation of the beard area that affect males but also females may affect if have coarse hair. Its treatment can be challenging. Laser-assisted hair removal causes miniaturization of hair shafts which are the principal contributors to inflammation in PFB. Also chemical peeling is used in treatment of PFB. To assess and compare the efficacy and safety of long pulsed Nd:YAG laser vs chemical peeling in the treatment of PFB. Twenty male patients with PFB were divided randomly into two groups. Group A treated by long pulsed Nd: Yag laser and group B treated by chemical peeling, all were subjected to treatment until complete clearance or maximum five sessions. Clinical assessment of skin lesions was done at baseline, end of sessions, follow-up at 3 months after end of therapy by counting of papules. Subjective evaluations were also obtained from both subjects and investigators. Assessments of any abnormal side effects caused by laser treatment or by chemical peeling were also evaluated. A reduction in the quantity of papules/pustules when compared with baseline data was statistically significant more in laser group than peeling group for treatment of PFB in the mandibular and neck regions at the end of session and follow-up evaluations. Subject evaluations ranged from satisfied to very satisfied. Side effects of chemical peeling included transient hyperpigmentation, mild erythema, and burning and side effects of laser included pain. Both therapy are effective and safe in the treatment of PFB but laser therapy more effective than peeling therapy.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in the U.S. Military, a Review.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), also known as ingrown hairs commonly results from adherence to military grooming standards in those who have curly facial hair. Many patients respond to specific grooming techniques or topical medications but severe cases often warrant restrictions on shaving or laser therapy. The treatment of PFB is challenged not only by grooming standards but also evolving readiness requirements. More recently, the Navy discontinued permanent restrictions on shaving because of concerns for poor gas mask fitting. The goal of this review is to outline the history of PFB in the military, describe current policies, and offer a more uniform approach to treating PFB in the military. We also discuss challenges that surround the management of PFB in the Armed Forces. We conducted a systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed to identify both current and past management and discussion of PFB in both civilian and military settings. We also performed an internet search to identify pertinent military regulations and history of PFB within the Armed Forces. A query of TRICARE, the health care program for the U.S. Department of Defense Military Heath System, was also performed to assess civilian-referred laser treatment for Active Duty service members. PFB has a long history in the military dating back to World War I, when shaving was enforced not only to ensure good personal hygiene and to foster good order and discipline but also to ensure gas masks would seal in the event of a chemical attack. The management of PFB has presented a challenge in the military and even led to a social uproar in the 1970s. Policy changes in the military regarding shaving limitations, or profiles, have historically influenced how PFB is managed, but the basic tenets remain the same. Grooming techniques and topical medications can be effective in treating mild-to-moderate disease, but more severe cases of PFB respond best to laser therapy. Limitations on shaving remain an important part of management, especially during flares of the disease and while initiating therapy. Long-term shaving profiles may be needed for treatment-resistant cases. The impact of the Navy's recent policy on PFB is also discussed. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is a prevalent skin disease in the Armed Forces. A better understanding of the disease and patients' individual needs by the health care provider and commander is paramount.

Modified Superlong Pulse 810 nm Diode Laser in the Treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in Skin Types V and VI

Laser hair removal is a well-established therapy for pseudofolliculitis barbae, but there have been few studies on the use of a very-long-pulse 810 nm diode laser for this condition. To determine the efficacy and tolerability of a modified 810 nm superlong-pulse diode laser (Palomar Medical, Burlington, MA, USA) in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) in subjects with type V and VI skin. Thirteen patients were treated three times at 2-week intervals on one side of their neck with varying fluences. They were evaluated for (1) reduction of shaving bumps and (2) pain tolerance on the treated versus the untreated side. There was a statistically significant improvement in shaving bumps. The treatment side showed a baseline PFB lesion count of 22.5 (+/- 20 SD), which decreased to a mean of 5 (+/- 5 SD) (p<.05). The control baseline mean count was 27.6 (+/- 22 SD) and at the end of the study was 15 (+/- 12 SD) (p = .13). Pain was rated at 2.5 of 10 for subjects treated both with and without anesthetic. The margin of safety was greater in type V compared with type VI skin. A modified 810 nm superlong-pulse diode laser is both effective and well tolerated in the reduction of shaving bumps, especially in patients with type V skin.

Modified Superlong Pulse 810 nm Diode Laser in the Treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in Skin Types V and VI

Modified Superlong Pulse 810 nm Diode Laser in the Treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in Skin Types V and VI

Treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae Using the Long-Pulse Nd:YAG Laser on Skin Types V and VI

BACKGROUND Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a foreign body inflammatory condition that is caused by in-grown hairs of the face and body. An effective treatment to alleviate this condition without the risk of side effects has yet to be found. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the Lyra 1064-nm long-pulse ND:YAG laser in the treatment of PFB on skin types V and VI. METHODS Twenty subjects (12 males and 8 females) were given two treatments approximately 3 to 4 weeks apart and were assessed by objective papule/pustule and hair counts at 1, 2, and 3 months after final treatment. Laser treatments with the Lyra Nd:YAG laser were applied onto 2×2-cm regions on the upper and lower mandible and neck regions. Contralateral controls were used to assess overall effectiveness. Subjective evaluations were also obtained from both subjects and investigators. Assessments of any abnormal side effects caused by laser treatment, including dyspigmentation and/or scarring, were also evaluated. RESULTS A reduction in the quantity of papules/pustules and hairs when compared with baseline data was statistically significant for treatment of PFB in the mandibular and neck regions at the 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-up evaluations. Subject evaluations ranged from satisfied to very satisfied. Side effects included transient hyperpigmentation, transient hypopigmentation, mild erythema, and itching. CONCLUSIONS The use of the 1064-nm long-pulse Nd:YAG laser for the treatment and management of PFB on skin types V and VI is both safe and effective, with positive results lasting for up for to 3 months after two treatments.

Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae using the long-pulse Nd:YAG laser on skin types V and VI.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a foreign body inflammatory condition that is caused by in-grown hairs of the face and body. An effective treatment to alleviate this condition without the risk of side effects has yet to be found. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Lyra 1064-nm long-pulse ND:YAG laser in the treatment of PFB on skin types V and VI. Twenty subjects (12 males and 8 females) were given two treatments approximately 3 to 4 weeks apart and were assessed by objective papule/pustule and hair counts at 1, 2, and 3 months after final treatment. Laser treatments with the Lyra Nd:YAG laser were applied onto 2x2-cm regions on the upper and lower mandible and neck regions. Contralateral controls were used to assess overall effectiveness. Subjective evaluations were also obtained from both subjects and investigators. Assessments of any abnormal side effects caused by laser treatment, including dyspigmentation and/or scarring, were also evaluated. A reduction in the quantity of papules/pustules and hairs when compared with baseline data was statistically significant for treatment of PFB in the mandibular and neck regions at the 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-up evaluations. Subject evaluations ranged from satisfied to very satisfied. Side effects included transient hyperpigmentation, transient hypopigmentation, mild erythema, and itching. The use of the 1064-nm long-pulse Nd:YAG laser for the treatment and management of PFB on skin types V and VI is both safe and effective, with positive results lasting for up for to 3 months after two treatments.

Treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in Burn Scar with the Apogee TKS Alexandrite Laser

Treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in Burn Scar with the Apogee TKS Alexandrite Laser

Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types IV, V, and VI with a long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser

Background: Pseudofolliculitis barbae affects a large number of individuals with coarse curly hair, and present treatment options are suboptimal. Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Methods: This was a two-phase observational study conducted at a military tertiary medical facility. The study group included 37 patients (skin types IV, V, and VI) referred from primary care physicians with a diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae refractory to conservative therapy. In phase I, one treatment with a Nd:YAG laser was performed on a tattooed area of the thigh with 3 light doses. Epidermal tolerance was evaluated, and hair counts were performed 3 months after treatment for each light dose. In phase II, the highest dose tolerated by the epidermis from phase I was applied to a small submental region of skin with an adjacent site as a control. Subsequently, papule counts were performed 90 days after treatment in the laser-irradiated and control areas. Results: Phase I: When normalized for controls, there was 33%, 43%, and 40% hair reduction on the thigh for the 50, 80, and 100 J/cm2 fluences, respectively, after 90 days. Overall, the highest doses tolerated by the epidermis were 50, 100, and 100 J/cm2 for type VI, V, and IV skin, respectively. Phase II: Mean papule counts after 90 days were 6.95 and 1.0 for the control and treatment sites, respectively. Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser treatment may represent a safe and effective option for reducing hair and subsequent papule formation in patients with pseudofolliculitis barbae. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:263-70.)

Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types IV, V, and VI with a long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser

Background: Pseudofolliculitis barbae affects a large number of individuals with coarse curly hair, and present treatment options are suboptimal. Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Methods: This was a two-phase observational study conducted at a military tertiary medical facility. The study group included 37 patients (skin types IV, V, and VI) referred from primary care physicians with a diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae refractory to conservative therapy. In phase I, one treatment with a Nd:YAG laser was performed on a tattooed area of the thigh with 3 light doses. Epidermal tolerance was evaluated, and hair counts were performed 3 months after treatment for each light dose. In phase II, the highest dose tolerated by the epidermis from phase I was applied to a small submental region of skin with an adjacent site as a control. Subsequently, papule counts were performed 90 days after treatment in the laser-irradiated and control areas. Results: Phase I: When normalized for controls, there was 33%, 43%, and 40% hair reduction on the thigh for the 50, 80, and 100 J/cm2 fluences, respectively, after 90 days. Overall, the highest doses tolerated by the epidermis were 50, 100, and 100 J/cm2 for type VI, V, and IV skin, respectively. Phase II: Mean papule counts after 90 days were 6.95 and 1.0 for the control and treatment sites, respectively. Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser treatment may represent a safe and effective option for reducing hair and subsequent papule formation in patients with pseudofolliculitis barbae. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:263-70.)

Defining pseudofolliculitis barbae in 2001: A review of the literature and current trends

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a chronic inflammatory and potentially disfiguring condition most often seen in men and women of African American and Hispanic origin who have tightly curled hair and who shave or tweeze hairs frequently. The etiology is multifactorial. The shape of the hair follicle, hair cuticle, and the direction of hair growth each play a role in the inflammatory response once the hair is shaven or plucked and left to grow. This reaction often produces painful, pruritic, and sometimes hyperpigmented papules in the beard distribution. The result is an unappealing cosmetic appearance, often with emotionally distressing consequences for affected individuals. The diagnosis is made clinically. Currently, prevention and early intervention are the mainstays of therapy. Many treatment options are available; however, none has been completely curative. In this review, the history, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, dermatopathology, prevention, and treatment of PFB, including the most current surgical options, will be discussed. In addition, new data on patients with PFB from the Skin of Color Center will be presented. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;46:S113-9.)